When it is to do with arthritis; two types commonly spoken of are; osteoarthritis or OA, and rheumatoid arthritis or RA. They are characterized by joint pain and specific stiffness, although they are different diseases that have different causes, different manifestations, and require different treatment. Such differentiation is very important when it comes to handling and treatment of such ailments. If you want any consultation, you may consult with an Orthopedic Specialist in Chandigarh like Dr. Vikas Mehra.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is commonly known as “wear and tear arthritis. It mainly affects the cartilage which is the ‘shock absorber’ in joints. In the course of time the cartilage degenerates leading to pain, swelling and poor joint movement. OA mainly targets the joints that bear the body weight such as the knee, hip and the spine.
Key Characteristics of Osteoarthritis:
Cartilage Breakdown: The primary cause of OA is the wearing out of the protective cartilage over time therefore the bones end up grinding against each other.
Joint Impact: Most often, it affects the joints that support the body weight, it can affect any joint however.
Symptoms: Pain is usually described as activity related and is aggravated by such a form of exercise and relieved by inactivity. Morning stiffness is most often short-lived.
Onset: This typically starts at the age of 50 years, and the condition is very gradual in its development.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints that occur when the immune system attacks the synovium of the joints. This results into inflammation, pain, and if not attended could lead to joint deformation. RA usually targets smaller joints and it is a disease that starts early in life yet it can start at any age.
Key Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Autoimmune Mechanism: RA causes the immune system to target the joint’s tissues particularly the ones lining it and therefore results to inflammation and destruction of the joint.
Joint Impact: Primarily affects small joints of the fingers and toes while it can also affect joints in larger body parts.
Symptoms: They are ordinarily most severe and long-lasting in the morning but can persist for several hours. RA primarily presents with involvement of synovium lined diaphyseal joints that include wrists, MTP and PIP joints and proximal interphalangeal joints bilaterally.
Onset: Can begin at any time in life, but clinical changes often do so slowly.
Diagnostic Differences
Diagnosing OA and RA involves different approaches:
Osteoarthritis: It is done through history taking and physical examination and imaging studies such as X rays or MRI that show damage to cartilage and bone spurs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: In diagnosing, blood sample is taken to determine certain antibodies such as the RF and the ACPA. X rays and imagine can be useful to determine the amount of inflammation and degeneration present within a joint.
Consulting an Orthopedic Specialist
As described for better understanding and treatment of arthritis, it is necessary to consult the Orthopedic Specialist in Chandigarh. Dr. Vikas Mehra, the orthopedic specialist of tremendous popularity, performs diagnostics and assigns appropriate treatment plans for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Having several years of experience, Dr. Mehra can provide a different approach to treatment that is most suitable for you and thereby, manage the symptoms effectively to improve the Quality of Life.
Such differentiation between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis plays an important role for better managing the disease and have an informed approach towards its treatment. Joint pain or stiffness should not be underestimated, therefore, it would be advisable to consult a specialist who will be able to offer professional medical treatment and care and that is why Dr. Vikas Mehra come in handy.
Consult your Orthopedic Specialist of Chandigarh, Dr. Vikas Mehra and take better care of your arthritis and joints.